In his first presidential media chat on Monday, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his decision to maintain the size of his cabinet, emphasizing its necessity for effective governance. Addressing questions about the cost of governance and calls to downsize, the President insisted that a larger cabinet was a strategic choice to address Nigeria’s complex challenges.

“I’m not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” Tinubu stated firmly. “I saw the need when I put them together. You don’t give somebody an assignment that they cannot fulfill. No. Nigeria is a large country.”

The President underscored that his administration’s priorities are centered on efficiency and effectiveness, which he described as the driving philosophy behind the composition of his team. He argued that the country’s size and diverse needs demand a robust and capable workforce to implement his administration’s goals.

“Let’s pay attention to efficiency. Efficiency and effectiveness are the hallmark of the philosophy behind that cabinet. I’m not ready to shrink a little bit of it. I need them,” he added.

To illustrate his point, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s massive population and the logistical demands it creates. “If you are to entertain over 200 million, just on entertainment, calculate how many stewards you will require. That’s just for entertainment, not the cleaners.”

While the President acknowledged public concerns over governance costs, his remarks suggest a focus on results over austerity. He believes a well-structured cabinet is vital to delivering on his administration’s promises.

However, the President’s stance is likely to spark further debate among citizens and analysts, particularly those advocating for a leaner government structure to alleviate economic pressures. As the discourse unfolds, Tinubu’s commitment to his cabinet size will continue to be a focal point of public and political discussion.